Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
NOMINEES for this year’s Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (Praca) have been announced, with organisers promising that the sixth edition will be bigger, better and more glamorous than ever before. The awards, which honour outstanding individuals and organisations excelling in arts, culture and community service in Bulawayo, will take place on December 20, with the venue to be revealed soon.
Among the nominees are musicians Bhila, Mlue Jay, reggae empress Mandie Mae, Briza, Fab G of Imali Yesigweja fame, Pumula Arts and Crafts Centre, Gabriel French and Klyve Beats, among others.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by a vibrant line-up of personalities: Brighton “Beefactor” Ncube, comedian Sipho Mercent Nyathi, Ma Nare, Poet Lethu, Nessa Nobz and Admire J Banda, who are expected to bring charisma, creativity and unforgettable energy to the event.
Praca director Happy Mpofu said lessons from previous editions have helped the organising team refine every aspect of the awards, resulting in what is expected to be the most polished ceremony yet.
“This year’s awards run under the theme ‘Transforming Communities: Amplifying Youth Voices, Accelerating Change through Arts and Youth Creative Engagement’. We aim to empower young creatives and include young business people who have contributed positively to the growth of Pumula.
“The nominees are already out, and we’re now focusing on logistics to ensure a smooth ceremony. Based on what has been done so far, we’re happy with the progress and confident of hosting a glamorous event,” said Mpofu.
Praca will feature a series of build-up events, including workshops, exhibitions and awareness programmes. These will begin on December 18, with activities such as a Youth in Arts and Business Indaba, the Zimbabwe Key to the City Festival and a solidarity march across strategic points in Pumula suburb.
“These programmes are designed to promote mental health and emotional well-being within the community, while also encouraging youth entrepreneurship, raising awareness on climate change and strengthening the fight against drug and substance abuse,” Mpofu said.
On the second day, the programme will feature a Nominees, Stakeholders and Partners Dinner at an exclusive venue to be disclosed only to invited guests. The evening will be a formal red-carpet affair, with highlights including nominee certification, live performances, fine dining and opportunities for networking and partnership-building.
The celebrations will culminate on December 20 with the grand awards ceremony, marking the final day of the Praca festivities.
Mpofu also revealed that Praca has secured strong partnerships, including a collaboration with Home of Arts Entertainment and several other stakeholders. They have further joined forces with the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA), which will also host their ceremony on December 20.
“Our partnership with the BAAs came after we realised that both our events fall on the same day. Praca will take place in the afternoon, while the BAAs will be held in the evening. Winners at Praca will be special guests at the BAAs,” Mpofu said.
